Austin after dark is awash with neon signs and illuminated landmarks. Grab your camera and shed some light on the city’s culture with our roundup of the best glowing marquees, buildings and glittering attractions.
A legendary live music establishment and go-to bar for bikers who love classic rock, jazz hounds, and country music enthusiasts. There’s almost always a cover charge at the Continental, but you snap pictures of the sign for free. 1315 South Congress Ave.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Bruce Reyes-Chow
Restored in September 2015 to its original form and glory, the downtown theater’s Art Deco sign is back on the building after a 51-year absence. 517 Congress Ave.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Anthony Quintano
One of Austin’s most recognizable signs watches over the long-standing drive-in burger joint made famous by Dazed and Confused. 7525 Burnet Rd.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Brandon LordOpened in 1951, local pharmacy Nau’s Enfield Drug doesn’t advertise its biggest draw in neon: a classic American soda fountain counter in back that serves shakes and burgers (though these are only available before sunset). 1115 West Lynn St.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Gina Pina
There’s no better dive bar/honky tonk in which to dance in and out of the beams of a neon moon in Austin than the Broken Spoke. 3201 South Lamar Blvd.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Jenna Lina
The sign’s three little pink pigs want those driving by to know that any time is a good time for ribs and brisket at the County Line Bar-B-Q. 6500 Bee Caves Rd.
Constructed from pink marble mined in Texas, the state’s seat of government has a rosy glow come nightfall. 1100 Congress Ave.
Old Austin strikes a high note at the no frills bowling alley and cafe. Once inside, you may recognize the joint from the movie Boyhood. 5700 Grover Ave.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Matthew Rutledge
Hungry for pepperoni? Just look for the glowing pie in the sky and mustachioed girl that scream, "Come to Home Slice!", and you’ll find your fix. 1415 South Congress Ave.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Melanie Applegate
You’ll need to book a room to catch a glimpse of the boutique hotel’s soulful poolside message but the Instagram pics (and swanky digs) will be worth the splurge. 112 Academy Dr.
Known to locals as the Castle Hill Graffiti Wall, the always changing public street art venue looks completely different after dark thanks to well-placed floodlights. 1100 Baylor St.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Sandra Hintzman
Permanent food truck the Mighty Cone serves spicy fried soul food wrapped in tortillas in paper cones for on-the-go consumption. A must-stop for ACL festival goers. 1720 Barton Springs Rd.
Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/Pelle Sten
